Optometrist Salary in Prescott, AZ: $133,633 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Prescott, AZ earns a median $133,633/year (≈ $64.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Prescott's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $135,668 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometric professionals in Prescott, Arizona, can anticipate a median annual pay of $133,633, slightly below the national average of $140,612. This variation reflects the local practice environment where salaries range from $79,802 at the lower end to $193,981 for those at the upper echelon. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight the competitive nature of the job market, particularly as optometry continues to evolve. With the expanding scope of practice in Arizona, including glaucoma management and the ability to prescribe oral medications, optometrists in Prescott are well-positioned to capitalize on these in-demand skills, making it a compelling place for both established practitioners and recent graduates alike.
About the Prescott Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,802 | $38.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,249 | $53.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,633 | $64.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,978 | $77.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,981 | $93.26 |
Median Salary Position
4.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prescott
In Prescott, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,179 (2026 est.). At $133,633, the local median is 4.96% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prescott: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prescott Optometrist Pay Compares
Prescott median: $133,633/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prescott Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,480 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.96% less |
Optometrists in Prescott, AZ earn a median of $133,633 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.50% below the Arizona state average of $138,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prescott has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Prescott, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,633 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,668 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,529
2025 BLS Actual
$129,791
2026 Current Est.
$133,633
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Prescott (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,529 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,315 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,791 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,633 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,588 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prescott metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,529 (2019) to $129,791 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,588 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,059 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prescott metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,802 – $111,249 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,249 – $133,633 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,633 – $160,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,978 – $193,981 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Prescott
With only nine optometrists currently employed in Prescott, the local job market remains relatively niche, which can influence both salary potential and employment opportunities. The cost of living index in Prescott stands at 98.5, which is below the national average, suggesting that while base salaries may be lower than some larger markets, the purchasing power for optometrists can be favorable. Prominent employers include private optometry practices and retail optical chains, where compensation may vary widely. Factors such as practice ownership, partnership models with ophthalmologists, and additional specialties like ocular disease residency influence income disparities in the area. Optometrists looking to maximize their pay in Prescott could consider enhancing their value through specialized training or exploring opportunities in collaborative care settings that leverage their skills in a multidisciplinary approach.
More salary data for Prescott, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Prescott?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $129,791 for optometristsin the Prescott metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Prescott is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov